Alexandrina

There are two problems with this line of thinking. First is that Star Wars is one of those themes which attracts a premium post-discontinuation - especially for iconic sets. Not always by any means, but a lot of the time you're paying over the odds for a second-hand Millennium Falcon for instance (to get a Millennium Falcon with the classic line-up, on Bricklink my cheapest bet right now would be £110 for a second-hand version - a similar price to the current retail version, and I bet next time a classic line-up appears in the Falcon of the day it'll be a similar price). What this does is make hard-to-find characters - the likes of Lando or Mace Windu - even harder to come by, and essentially rules most people out of having a decent Star Wars collection if they don't already have one. On top of that, Star Wars isn't a 'dead' franchise. This year alone, we're getting a minifigure of Bo'Katan - a character whose prominence is because of her appearance in a TV show within the last twelve months. (I'm aware she's in the Clone Wars, and even in a Clone Wars set iirc, but my suspicion is that that particular set was made to include Bo'Katan because of her popularity in the Mandalorian). Future films are planned. Multiple TV series. There's new material for new sets. It's not like other licensed themes - Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings - that can easily outstay their welcome after a few years because they're based on a finite and finished source material. As for an unpopular opinion to bring into the discussion, I don't think Lego should have phased out the 1990s colour palette. I'm not talking about grey and brown - I understand that their hand was forced in that regard. But a number of other colours - Sand Red, Dark Turquoise, Pink and Purple all disappeared from sets around the same time, and most haven't returned. Pink in particular is a disappointment to my mind, since it's a good muted alternative to Bright Pink and had already spread to the majority of the "basic" brick range.

That's not true. As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I was on the receiving end of some transphobic abuse in the Everyone Is Awesome thread a while back. I reported the abuse, and the offending comments were removed, and the member dealt with. The discussion continued for some time after that, before the thread was eventually locked. I can only speak for myself: but what I want is to be safe in the knowledge that if I'm singled out for abuse, it will be dealt with. In fairness, that has generally happened thus far.

Which should go both ways. I've been pretty inactive in the last month or so - only checking by every couple of days and then seldom posting - because of the fallout from the Everyone Is Awesome topic, during which one user decided to persistently deny my gender (this, fortunately, was dealt with by the mods) and others left the environment rather hostile. The first message here seems a reasonable one - hate, when hate appears, should be shut down, so that everyone can safely come to this place and talk about Lego. There's nowhere that quite measures up to it! I must have missed something then - because last time I checked, "clickbait" would apply if this was a thread with a deceptive title designed to falsely entice people to reading the thread (as, say, if someone posted a thread called "OFFICIAL: Lego announces wave of LOST sets"). Whether or not one agrees with the premise of the thread, it's hard to argue that the title isn't representative of the thread.

Doesn't that just about describe every set Lego have ever produced? I'm actually kinda hoping it's not something that's right up my street - my budget for big Lego sets is getting stretched thin already, I'm not sure I could go in for another big D2C. At least if it's not a set that appeals to me I don't have to go through the headache of picking which set I want to miss out on this time.

I'd not heard of any plot-leaks, so I went and had a look, and is anyone else concerned that the websites which are reporting these leaks - aside from being highly opinionated - aren't able to maintain consistency about what the leaks actually say?

Depending on what you mean by "going the way of GOT" I think there's either no chance of a backlash even close to bringing Amazon down, or no reason to worry. Based on the context of the discussion, I presume you're referring to GOT's nudity - to which I'd reply that not only was early GOT a niche series at the forefront of a reburgeoning genre that used nudity to try to help broaden its appeal, but also that nudity and explicit scenes are pretty well expected for big-budget drama series in modern times. IIRC there was nudity in the Witcher, and outside fantasy there are explicit scenes in programmes such as Breaking Bad, Boardwalk Empire, Line of Duty, to name a few. There's even nudity in the Hobbit films, and despite the films being widely criticised that was never a focus. For every Tolkien purist who would swear off Amazon for good if they dared to have an explicit scene in the story, there's a modern viewer who would enjoy the show for what it is. Of course, the more common use of the phrase "going the way of GOT" is based on quality. Yes, quality's not a given - but aside from anything else, there are lots of naff things every year. GOT gets so much hate because it started out great and became terrible because the showrunners stopped caring about the world they were working in. I'm not saying Amazon's LOTR is immune to that - but as a general rule, people don't get bored of a show and stop caring about the world during the first season. I've not kept too abreast on the show, but I don't believe it's an adaptation of any books, so any sensible showrunner who found themselves having had enough would find a way to bring the show to a conclusion rather than phoning it in. In any case, I don't think we can take the lack of rumblings of a revised theme as evidence either way. Both LotR and the Wheel of Time seem to exist in the world of unknown release dates, given that nothing's been confirmed for either beyond a vague "2021" - and as both shows were delayed by the pandemic, we can't take that for granted any longer. On top of that, it's unlikely to see either show before September at the earliest, given that no solid trailers exist, and I don't think Amazon will release two similar shows (big-budget adaptations of classic fantasy properties) at the same time. Whichever of the two comes second will likely be released in early 2022 instead, perhaps hoping to compete with House of the Dragon. Indiana Jones is scheduled for release next year, and despite there being no solid rumours beyond a single questionable source (at least last time I checked) people seem to be assuming that Indy is coming back to the Lego line-up in 2022. If Lego know that LotR is coming in spring to summer 2022, it makes sense to me that they might time a reborn theme for the summer wave next year - and iirc we don't know a single thing about the Summer 2022 sets yet, for any theme. There's still hope. Course, there's plenty to be excited for in regards to possible Castle themes even if LotR doesn't return. As a disclaimer, I'm only halfway through the first book of the Wheel of Time - but so far nothing I've read would make it a less likely Lego theme than the original LotR was (someone correct me if it takes a more adult turn later on, preferably without spoilers pls). And even if none of the upcoming properties make the grade, fantasy seems to be taking over as the number one genre right now. In twelve months' time, all of LotR, the Wheel of Time, The Witcher, House of the Dragon and His Dark Materials will be active shows on major channels - and all to a greater or lesser extent fantasy. There's probably more I don't know about as well. Fantasy elements have even been creeping into Marvel lately, with some of the backstory from Kathryn Hahn's character. If nothing emerges as a breakout property for Lego to license, they'll surely see the market and make an in-house theme. After all, maybe House of the Dragon is too adult for Lego to make - but there's nothing stopping them from making something similar but kid-friendly enough to not draw the ire of parental action groups.

I actually did! I popped down to Bristol a couple of weeks back, and their BAM station was made up of about a dozen different premade minifigures (legs, torso, head, hair/hat and one accessory) which an employee had to handle - but as luck would have it, one of those premade figures included the torso I was after, and the skirt to go with it. I did end up with a magic wand I didn't particularly need, but it was a worthy trade-off imo. The fact that Bristol had it means it's probably still in production, so I imagine it will appear in more places once BAM returns to normal.

Honestly, I thought Pirates of the Caribbean films finished in about 2007 Shows how much attention I paid to the franchise! It does seem likely then that the return of Indy to the cinema screens will lead to the return of Indy to the Lego stores. I suspect they'll plump for something similar to the first wave of the original theme - with the main scenes from the new film and a couple of iconic 'classic' scenes - and then fill in the gaps in subsequent waves if the theme endures.

Is Indiana Jones the first film franchise to return after a long absence, where Lego have previously produced sets but are not actively producing sets right now? I know there was a gap between the Star Wars prequels and the sequels but they never stopped the sets, so that doesn't work as a precedent imo.

I managed to get my hands on this one yesterday. I was a bit worried, since it had sold out online, that in store supply might be limited too, but I needn't have feared - the Bristol store was well-stocked, and I had no trouble snagging my copy. I found it to be an easy build, but that doesn't bother me. The parts are useful - imo this has a higher concentration of useful parts than any other set in recent memory, and I'd even include Basic sets in that. When I need the shelf-space and dismantle it, I'll find use for bricks and fig parts alike, so aside from its supportive message I think this is a genuinely great set.

I mean, it's possible! The only possible contraindication to this is that the rest of the crew are the same (iirc Redbeard is very consciously an aged up version of the same figure) - but nothing specific is stated any way so all interpretations are equally valid.

In my experience, new sets are available at midnight on release day, if not a few minutes before. Can't see why this one would be any different.

I always remember it from the Jack & Jill nursery rhyme. I suppose that could be of Scottish origin...

Sure sure, make out like I'm the depraved one...

That news has made my day! Love me a pine marten. Yeah, that'd probably do the trick. Come on, Lego, get recolouring.

Honestly, I remembered reading that it was only native to Scotland now, in the UK - and for some reason thought that meant it was only native to Scotland in the world. Now my hopes are up!

It has to be a real peach. Them's the rules, sorry. Can't have my boy Renly eating a printed tile!

No, please no peaches. If Lego release peaches, I will have no excuse left not to make it a personal mission to recreate all of ASOIAF in Lego form, and I don't have that kind of time! Definitely not enough variety there! The red halter from the old Paradisa tops is a brilliant piece, but it's nearly thirty years old and not technically swimwear - it shouldn't still be one of the best options for female beach attire

I don't know if it's too niche an animal for Lego to invest in a mould, but I would really like to see a pine marten at some point. Apart from being super cute fellas, I think they'd be a good accoutrement to a Forestmen/Robin Hood build

That's reminded me of a brickfilm I saw years and years ago, some Star Wars thing where for some reason Darth Sidious had teamed up with a bunch of surfers, and some battle droid chilling with the surfers by the pool got all sunburnt. IIRC it took advantage of the Geonosis droids being a slightly different colour. Maybe I have a dirty mind, but depending on the specific print I can see this being used for more... adult... builds. Lego might avoid it just to steer clear of that.

Not sure I can get on board with that quote being applicable here. Yes, there may well be people talking in bad faith - but I certainly don't think backing away from the debate is a sign of that. Anybody has the right to step away from a conversation at any time.

I think we're on the same page here. Yeah, sometimes I lash out - I think we all do - and sometimes if somebody really gets to me, I'll cry to myself when I'm alone in my bedroom at night, or eat too much takeaway pizza, or somehow indulge myself in the privacy of my own home to work through the emotions. The only thing I would quibble about - not a major thing - is that I see humans as often being able to control how they act on their feelings, but not so much how they feel. If I'm upset, I'm upset - even if I don't show it. But that's just technicalities, rather than the core point. I'm glad we seem to have come to a middle ground of understanding, even if we might not agree on every detail. To me, that's the mark of a successful dialogue - exactly the sort of thing I want Lego to keep inspiring with this and other sets.

Why does your experience entitle you to be an authority on what does/does not reflect the "movement", and yet the experiences of trans people in this very thread are apparently something else? Aside from the fact that being trans is not a movement (I'm sure there are political action groups, but I'm not a part of them, I'm just a woman who happens to be trans) there's the fact that - as @Aanchir pointed out - you've devoted a lot of words over several comments to critiquing how trans people's comments do or do not serve the movement. It's great for your son that he is not affected by the words of others - but that does not mean every trans person has to be like him. We're allowed to voice our views, our frustrations, as individuals. Nothing I have ever said on this board or elsewhere online is as the spokesperson for a movement of any sort, and I'd imagine other trans people here (and other LGBTQ+ people too) are the same. That isn't a philosophy. I know people who lie in bed at night in tears because of the comments directed towards them - I've even been there myself - and it's not a result of consciously choosing to let other people's words affect them. I'd go so far as to say that by saying that, you're veering dangerously close to excusing those who made the comments. As a trans woman - especially growing up at an age where trans representation was negligible, negative stereotypes were the norm, and most people didn't even know the word 'transgender' - I spent many many years grappling with my identity. Learning that it's alright to be who I am. When you see an out trans person, you're seeing someone who has had to work through fundamental parts of who they are for years. Note, I'm not trying to talk down to you, but merely explaining for the benefit of other readers, since not everybody has your experience of having a trans son. Apologies if I'm saying things you've already heard here. The point I'm making is that our identities, at least early in our transition, can be fragile. That doesn't mean they're wrong, or not fully formed. I remember the first time I ever presented female in public, I was terrified. That doesn't mean I ever thought "I'm not really a woman", nor was it down to conforming to stereotypes (when I wear a skirt, it's because I like that skirt, not because a skirt is a 'feminine' item of clothing, for example). In order to get myself out of the door, I had to psych myself up. Why? Because it's a big deal. Openly presenting as your true gender - especially when you don't 'pass' - does make you a target. Those early days living as yourself are the culmination of years of self-doubt and mental anguish ultimately crystallising into a gender identity that is concordant with who you are. I put off my transition for eight years because of self-doubt, even after I'd come to the conclusion that I was definitely a trans woman. When I put effort into a personal presentation that openly reflects my identity, and someone still takes it upon themselves to call me "he", it's easy for that self-doubt to kick back in. I don't choose to let it happen. Oftentimes it doesn't affect me. But sometimes it does. That's life. This definitely feels like you're conflating two situations. I won't speak for any other trans people, but my conduct in real life and my conduct on a discussion board, when discussing gender issues, are not 100% equivalent. In fact, I dare say you'd describe me in a similar way to your son, if you knew me in person but not online. I've been misgendered regularly and I haven't ever let that visibly affect me. If someone misgenders me on the street, I ignore them. If someone misgenders me in a conversation, I might politely ask if they could call me "she" in future, and not push the issue further. I have never once got angry or upset at what somebody has said to me in person (not about trans issues - I have been visibly upset before, for entirely different and justifiable reasons which I won't go into here). And yet the passage I've just quoted immediately follows a sentence which you directly tagged me in, with the implication that he is the opposite of me. You've said you have no wish to continue, and I respect that, so if you don't answer I won't be offended. But I would love to know why you feel like I'm somehow poor at dealing with adversity? (Apologies if that's not what you're trying to say, but the wording does suggest it)

It's amazing what blows us away in our youths! One of my first sets was 4171, which had Spot the Dog (or at least his head) and that kept me entertained for hours and hours. In fact, it was for many years the only set I kept at my nan's house, while the rest of my Lego was at home, and yet I never tired of it. Now I get bored of a set if it doesn't have at least twelve new minifigure parts! (I jest, but I'm still much harder to please than I used to be).

I still remember being bowled over when I got Dobby's Release back in 2002, because it had beige bricks and brown bricks and bricks in a different shade of green! And even grey pieces that weren't just propellers and wheels. I was a grown woman before I had a single piece in pink or purple! The modern palette is a dream.